The proliferation of brands, lines, and models in the riflescope business has made it increasingly difficult to classify scope manufacturers. Once upon a time it was easy to summarize by saying that Zeiss made Ultra Deluxe (5-Star) scopes, Leupold and Redfield competed in the Deluxe (4-Star) class, Weaver dominated the Medium (3-Star) field, and Bushnell sold in the low (2-star) price class; but not any more. All of these brands now sell in more than one price classes and, for example, some Bushnell scope lines are considerably more expensive than some Leupold scope lines. Nor are similar levels of quality and features strictly confined to the same price class.

I have compiled the following list based on the manufacturers suggested retail price (taken from the current annual edition of the Shooter's Bible) of variable power scopes in the best selling 3-9x40mm size (or whatever is closest to it in a given line). Obviously, in every line, a 6-18x50mm scope is going to cost more than a 3-9x40mm, and a 4x30mm fixed power scope is going to be cheaper than a 3-9x40mm. Note that within each price class, brands are listed in alphabetical order.

This list does not attempt to include every manufacturer or line in the market place, but it does cover most of the major brands and lines, and those left out can be compared to those included and their approximate price class determined on that basis. I cannot even claim that this list is 100% accurate, because prices change frequently and actual retail prices are seldom the same as the MSRP, but at least it offers a starting point for the riflescope shopper. I will periodically update this list so that it remains reasonably current.

For a list of riflescopes by brand and line that are recommended by the Guns and Shooting Online staff and management, see the companion article "Recommended Riflescopes."

Premium price class (MSRP over $1000)

Burris Diamond
Kahles Helia
Leupold VX-7
Schmidt & Bender
Swarovski PH, PF, PV
Zeiss Victory

High price class (MSRP $600-$999)

Burris Signature
I.O.R.-Valdada
Kahles American Hunter
Kaps Optics
Leupold VX-L, VX-III, FX-III
Nikko Diamond Sportsman
Nikon Monarch Gold
Pentax Lightseeker, Lightseeker 30
Redfield
Sightron Series III (SIII)
Swarovski AV Series
Trijicon Accupoint
Weaver T Series

Medium-high price class (MSRP $400-$599)

Burris Short Mag
Bushnell Elite 4200
Docter Sports Optics
Leupold VX-II, FX-II
Nikon Monarch
Sightron SII Big Sky (SIIB)
Weaver Grand Slam
Zeiss Conquest

Medium price class (MSRP $300-$399)

Alpin Apex
Browning
Burris Fullfield II, Scout
Bushnell Elite 3200
I.O.R.-Valdada
Nikon Buckmaster
Pentax Whitetails Unlimited
Sightron Series II (SII)
Weaver Classic Extreme

Medium-low price class (MSRP $200-$299)

BSA Platinum Target
Bushnell Legend
Hunter Wicked Optics
Leupold VX-I, FX-I, Rifleman
Mueller Illuminated
Nikon Prostaff
Sightron Series I (SI)
Simmons Master Series Aetec
Weaver Classic V-Series, K-Series, Rimfire

Low price class (MSRP $100-$199)

Alpen Kodiak
BSA Catseye, Huntsman, Panther, Contender, Sweet 17
Bushnell Trophy, Banner
Mueller Extreme, APV
Nikko Platinum
Simmons Master Series ProHunter
Swift Premier, Standard
Tasco Titan

Economy price class (MSRP under $100)

BSA Deerhunter
Bushnell Sportsman, .22 Rimfire
Nikko Gold Crown
Simmons Master Series ProSport, Blazer, .22 Mag, Rimfire
Tasco World Class, Varmint, Golden Antler, Pronghorn, .22, Rimfire